In a major raid on the governorate's marketplaces, Omani authorities seized a vast amount of rotten fruits and veg (40,000kg worth) during May

Continuing its crackdown on expired and damaged food items being sold in Muscat governorate, Muscat Municipality has seized more than 40,000kg of vegetables and fruits during May.

A senior official in the municipality's information department said that its health department seized 10,150kg of rotten tomatoes, 1,840kg apples, 25,450kg potatoes and 3,538kg mangoes during inspections and raids carried out last month.

The Omani Association for Consumer Protection, a private body, also said that it receives complaints about food items that have been found unfit for use. “Whenever people approach us, we direct them to PACP,” said a senior executive of the association.

The municipality also closed 21 restaurants and a coffee shop in Muscat following inspections during May.

It also reported 42 violations by restaurants, cafés and shops selling meat, poultry, and others stores.

The inspections also resulted in the destruction of 588 packages of expired foods, the information officer said.

The civic body's health department destroyed 500 packs of ready to eat meals, which were meant for students of a public school in Muttrah.

The department also closed state 36 shops and reported 61 violations following 1,078 inspection visits.